Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance that is sure to appeal to those looking for a medium-weight switch with a subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry features a sharp tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel. Additionally, it offers a lower-than-average sound frequency, creating a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, we see that they both offer unique sound profiles with their respective materials. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff plastic composition. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, creating a distinct auditory experience. Despite these differences, both switches excel in providing pleasing sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow boasts a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, aligning with the overall sound profile of the switch. While both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, they ultimately deliver similar results in terms of providing a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound characteristics.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of a switch. The characteristics of the bottom housing material influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, both switches excel in creating distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and an actuation force of 55 grams. This makes the Blueberry switch heavier overall compared to the Foggy Shadow. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow for longer typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the heavier NovelKeys Blueberry. When comparing the two, users can expect different tactile feedback and typing experiences due to the variations in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper press that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and moderate typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry presents a low-pitched and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and immersive auditory sensation. While both switches fall under the low-pitched category, users can expect a slightly deeper tone with the Foggy Shadow and a cleaner, sharper sound with the Blueberry.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow lacks specific descriptors, indicating a more standard tactile experience. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry boasts a variety of qualities such as being snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. This range of attributes suggests that the Blueberry switch offers a more dynamic and engaging typing feel compared to the more straightforward experience of the Foggy Shadow.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches present distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a standard tactile experience, the Blueberry offers a low-pitched and resonant sound along with a range of tactile sensations including snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the balanced performance of the Foggy Shadow or the vibrant tactile experience of the Blueberry. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when selecting between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and tactile bump intensity. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper tactile bump and heavier bottom-out force, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would be more fitting for your typing style. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
